BOSTON (AP) A powerful nor'easter has been sweeping along the Northeast coast of the United States, causing extensive damage and disruptions over the weekend. The slow-moving storm has intensified, bringing high winds that led to significant power outages and hazardous conditions due to heavy rain and large waves. Emergency crews have been actively responding to damage caused by downed trees and severe weather.
Tragically, a New York City Housing Authority employee lost their life in Brooklyn due to a falling tree as the storm brought relentless rain and strong winds to the city. In total, around 100,000 customers in Mid-Atlantic and New England states lost power due to the storm, prompting emergency teams to work rapidly to restore services.
Forecasters indicated that tens of millions of residents remained in the storm's path heading into Sunday, raising concerns of major flooding in coastal areas. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has activated response coordination centers and has teams on standby throughout New England in anticipation of more widespread outages. Bob Oravec, the lead forecaster with the National Weather Service in College Park, Maryland, warned that the region should expect high winds, significant tides, and heavy rain for several days.
The most severe tidal impacts were expected north of Atlantic City, New Jersey, leading to fears of extensive road flooding in vulnerable coastal and bayside communities. New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged caution, stating, "Anyone who goes in or near the water this weekend is literally gambling with their life."
In some areas of New Jersey and New York, residents were seen kayaking down flooded streets and attempting to surf on larger-than-normal waves. In Sea Bright, New Jersey, emergency responders rescued a woman and her dog from a vehicle trapped in rising floodwaters. Kenny Formica, who owns a marina in Surf City, New Jersey, observed water infiltrating his business, an occurrence he noted had not happened since Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
As the storm progressed, reports of rising water levels led to customers alerting Formica about missing boats and Jet Skis. Similarly, in Norfolk, Virginia, Ellie Hodge reported cars getting stuck on flooded roads, highlighting the disruptive effects of the storm.
Travel disruptions were significant, with hundreds of flights canceled at Boston Logan International Airport and at Massachusetts' Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. A flooding-related highway closure in North Carolina's Hatteras Island affected wedding plans for a couple who discovered that most of their guests were unable to reach the venue due to the storm's impact. Emergency ferries have been arranged to ensure access to the island's 5,000 residents.
Although nor'easters are typical for New England as the fall season approaches, the timing of this particular storm is considered unusual. Oravec explained that the storm's slow movement could exacerbate beach erosion through prolonged exposure to strong winds and heavy surf. While coastal flooding is the greatest threat, heavy rains, powerful winds, and waves reaching up to 20 feet are also anticipated.
As the storm continues, ferry services between Patchogue and Fire Island have been temporarily halted, reflecting the storm's impact on local transportation and daily life. Stephanie Sherman, the ferry operator, described the storm as "pretty wild," but acknowledged that similar weather events have occurred in the past.
